Dine Out : Khe-Yo

As far as I know, Khe-Yo is one of the few restaurants in NYC to showcase the food of Laos, a tiny country in Southeast Asia. The name Khe-Yo means “green." The menu here is a modernized take on the traditional flavors and ingredients of Laotian cuisine and the dishes are different yet similar to some familiar Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Sticky rice (glutinous rice) is a staple of the Laotian diet which is consumed at every meal.

Located on Duane Street in Tribeca, the restaurant occupies a cavernous space with exposed brick walls. The neutral decor features reclaimed, distressed wood tables and chairs lend a low key and casual vibe. We stopped in for brunch one weekend last month.

We shared the Nong-Khai Style Pho made with Creekstone Farms brisket, oxtail and eye round and the Bell & Evans Lemongrass Chicken Market Bowl with sticky rice, spicy bang-bang, charred eggplant and roasted mushrooms. The pho had a broth that was both flavorful yet clean tasting. The noodles had just the right amount of bite and the meat was tender and and delicious. The ox tail was especially good. It was served fresh bean sprouts, lettuce, cilantro and jalapeño. The chicken was well seasoned but a touch dry. Adding the spicy bang bang sauce on top helped. The sticky rice served in a woven Lao basket was a nice touch and it was good accompaniment because everything else had a lot going on in terms of flavor.

Everything was well presented and the service was relaxed and friendly. I like that their menu is local, seasonal and responsibly sourced. It's always good to know where your food is coming from and quality of the ingredients comes through in the taste. I honestly don't know why it took us so long to dine at Khe-Yo since I walk past it all the time but we plan on going back for dinner soon.

I work a few blocks from there! I will have to stop in here my coworker and I are always looking for somewhere new to eat. Thanks for the heads up! I went to the Sunshine Cafe the other day for a work function it was pretty good.